A meso-scale approach to modelling stable dynamic crack propagation in glass under rate-dependent loading

Abstract

This paper presents a meso-scale approach to dynamic crack propagation, which incorporates a phenomenological rate-dependant cohesive zone law into the eXtended Finite Element Method for crack representation (XCZM). This approach is applied to a Double Cantilever Beam made of glass, for which an analytical solution and well-known experimental data are available. A comparison of model predictions with experimental observations shows that the proposed approach is capable of reproducing all essential features of dynamic cracking of glass, lending support to the method applicability to other classes of brittle and quasi-brittle materials.